Identification
Western black-legged ticks are small, with adults measuring about 1/8 inch in length. They have a reddish-brown body with black legs and a darker dorsal shield. When engorged, their body swells and becomes grayish. Like other ticks, they have eight legs and piercing mouthparts for feeding on blood.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Western black-legged ticks undergo four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The complete lifecycle takes about two to three years. Females lay thousands of eggs in leaf litter or sheltered locations. Nymphs and larvae require blood meals before molting into adults. They typically seek hosts in cooler months and are most active in spring and fall.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
These ticks are obligate blood feeders and attach to mammals, birds, and reptiles. They prefer humid environments and actively seek hosts by climbing vegetation and extending their front legs (questing behavior). They can transmit pathogens during feeding, making them significant disease vectors.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
Western black-legged ticks are commonly found in:
- Grassy and wooded areas
- Leaf litter and dense underbrush
- Along hiking trails and paths
- On wild animals such as deer, rodents, and birds
- On pets and humans after outdoor exposure
Threats & Danger
Western black-legged ticks are primary vectors of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Their bites are often painless but can lead to severe illness if infected ticks transmit pathogens. Early symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, fatigue, and a bullseye rash.
Prevention
- Wear long sleeves, pants, and insect repellent when in tick-prone areas
- Perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities
- Keep grass and vegetation trimmed around living spaces
- Create tick-free zones by using gravel or wood chips as barriers
- Treat pets with veterinarian-approved tick preventatives
Signs of Infestation
- Ticks found on clothing, skin, or pets after outdoor exposure
- Unexplained small red bite marks that may swell or itch
- Presence of ticks in leaf litter or grassy areas
- Pets excessively scratching or showing signs of irritation
- Flu-like symptoms or rashes following a suspected tick bite
How to Get Rid of It
- Remove ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers
- Dispose of ticks by placing them in alcohol or sealing them in a bag
- Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill ticks
- Use tick control products in outdoor areas if infestations persist
- Seek medical attention if illness develops after a tick bite